Laurence Laboissonnière – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Laurence Laboissonnière is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches in Lévis, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Laurence’s approach is performance-oriented, focusing on optimizing athletic function, recovery, and injury prevention for active individuals seeking to maintain or enhance their physical performance.

Laurence specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, and managing symptoms after neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her goal is to help her patients return to their peak performance and active lifestyles efficiently and safely, especially adults and seniors committed to maintaining their physical capabilities.

With a solid educational background in Physiotherapy and ongoing professional development, Laurence has cultivated skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic, Musculoskeletal, and Neurological physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy revolves around empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and providing practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Laurence is fluent in French, ensuring she can effectively communicate complex treatment plans and motivate her patients towards achieving their performance goals.

Laurence Laboissonnière provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Laurence can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Laurence. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laurence frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun without the constant burden of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. Laurence focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The journey to being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations when faced with persistent tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is made smoother and more effective with Laurence's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Laurence's clinic, common concerns like that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Laurence, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Laurence practices at the CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches facility in Lévis, situated in the Saint-Romuald, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome West neighborhood. This modern Clinique de spécialités médicales provides a comprehensive healthcare environment that includes orthopedics, rheumatology, physiatry, neurology, and plastic surgery services within a public healthcare setting. Conveniently located near the Major East-West Arterial, the clinic is easily accessible by car and public transit. Patients can reach the clinic via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis), ensuring a seamless travel experience. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth as possible, consider bringing your health card, any relevant medical documents or imaging results, a list of current medications, and your insurance information for direct billing if applicable. Wearing comfortable clothing will also facilitate assessment and treatment.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Public healthcare coverage may include physiotherapy services received through hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility and coverage details with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches
975, Rue de la Concorde, # 120
Lévis, QC G6W 8A7

Phone: (418) 228-2031

Laurence Laboissonnière is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.